The international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer to lead SANZAR, the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions joint venture, will commence this weekend with the role being advertised in all three countries.

The creation of the new role to head up a Sydney-based SANZAR organisation to manage and develop the Super Rugby and Tri Nations tournaments follows a review of SANZAR's existing management structures in 2009.

The CEO will report to SANZAR's Executive Committee and will be charged with driving a strategic growth plan across multiple countries and improving SANZAR's operational effectiveness.

Current SANZAR and New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said this was a major milestone for SANZAR as it evolves not only its competitions but also its organisational structures to a new level during 2010.

"The SANZAR joint venture has been incredibly successful through the cooperation of the three Unions which have rotated the secretariat responsibilities up until this year. With the expansion of the competitions from 2011, it is timely to move to an independent, permanent executive that can focus exclusively on driving Super Rugby and the Tri Nations competitions."